Creative incubator Charlotte Street brings meaning to the meaningless at their Dada Fun House Gala
Stephonne performs at the Charlotte Street gala // Photo by Ashley Elwell of Three Three Photography
Charlotte Street knows how to party. In a semi- industrial pocket of midtown on October 21, artists, vendors, and patrons showed up and showed out for an absurd night. The Dada Fun House Gala came together with whimsy, candy, and color.
Charlotte Street (CS) acts as Kansas City’s primary “incubator, provocateur, and connector” for contemporary artists in the community while advocating for the arts and artists on a national scale.
Readying the canvas
The organization’s annual fundraising party had a few tricks up its sleeve to set it apart from other galas typically held this time of year. First, the theme. Guests were sent a link to a Pinterest board for Dada Fun House costume inspiration that included circus tent-chic, mime makeup, and lots of eyeballs.
“Dada” is an art movement that began in Zurich in the early 20th century. Dada is known to be satirical or nonsensical in nature. The dress code for this event stated, “Absurdist carnival costumes. Lobster couture and harlequin ensembles encouraged.”
Artists were provided the resources to dream and create. The CS space were transformed into a CSF fun house through the use of copious balloons, high-impact stripes, artificial turf, rich fabrics, and dramatic lighting.
Charlotte Street gala // Photo by Ashley Elwell of Three Three Photography
Art in motion
Entertainment at the event ranged from saucy to silly. One room featured cabaret performances by Stephonne, Stephanie Roberts, and Johanna Winters on a shimmering stage designed by Luke Rocha. Old-school carnival games spanned the lobby and performance space, offering prizes made by local artists Craig Deppen Auge, Ruben Castillo, Erin Dodson, Andrew Johnson, Sun Young Park, Sally Paul, Adams Puryear, Kiki Serna, Harold Smith, and Aleah Washington.
The dada experiences continued with odd but meaningful readings from Miss Fortune Teller Vanessa Aricco. The line was long for the handmade cards and brief readings. In the same hallway, Renee Cinderhouse created a weird and wonderful Cabinet of Curiosities walk-through exhibit. A small, all-white room held virtual carnival rides that should be done before one has a stomach full of alcohol and candy. And to complete the anything-goes vibe, attendees rode a custom slide down to the dance floor led by DJ Violet Dream. Instead of a balloon drop, there was an eyeball drop at 10:30 p.m.
Food was provided by a collection of local favorites. Baba’s Pantry, The Bite, Devoured Pizza, Julita’s, Learn Your ABVs, Lucky Boys, The Prospect KC, Room 39, Succotash, and Swoon Cookie Crafters each provided a sampling of small bites and cocktails. I’m still thinking about the parmesan-topped savory funnel cake from Lucky Boys.
Charlotte Street gala // Photo by Ashley Elwell of Three Three Photography
Showing it off
A second stand-out element of this event was the reduced barrier of entry. While standard tickets started at $150 for the fundraising event, artists were able to purchase tickets for $35. At far too few fundraising events do those benefiting from the organization actually get to enjoy the swanky perks often reserved for benefactors. 61 artists took advantage of the reduced-price tickets, one of whom was poet Abby Bland.
“They do a lot of good work for the community. Increasing accessibility for artists, like their grant programs, have been very important in the community. And they do cool events like this, with artist-level ticket pricing, which is awesome. I think it’s definitely something that we’re going to start seeing hopefully more of from the greater KC creative scene. I think it’s important to be here,” says Bland.
All in all, the event raised approximately $92,500. CSF uses funds to award cash and project-based grants, special commissions, and specific travel opportunities to visual and generative performing artists; offer free studios and exhibition spaces; facilitate public exposure for artists; foster artistic collaboration and exchange; and more.
Board Member J. Josue Montes reveled in the uniqueness of the event and the impact of the artists. “Charlotte Street is so important because it gives local artists a resource. They can come and use us and pick our brains to help them benefit their artistry, their craft, and help them expand and make connections. We are open to every artist–young, old, sculptural, performance, any kind of art form–and this is just one of the reasons I’m proud to sit on the board. Artistry is always the future. Also, there’s so many galas this time of year, and they’re usually the same sort of tux, formal, ballgowns. But this, this is creative. This is true artistry.”
The Charlotte Street has a variety of events. The next exhibition, Black Being, opens November 10 and is scheduled to run through January 6, 2024.
